The Eurocopter-135 aircraft, billed by the charity as a “new chapter” in its history, will begin operating on Friday

A new purpose-built air ambulance has been launched by the Wales Air Ambulance Service.

The Eurocopter-135 aircraft, billed by the charity as a “new chapter” in its history, will begin operating on Friday from its base at Welshpool Airport.

The next generation model replaces the charity’s previous helicopter, a 20-year-old Bolkow-105 that had been converted to an air ambulance.

The new air ambulance was designed with input from paramedics and includes a custom-made incubator for paediatric transfers and radar technology that allows crews to fly in adverse weather conditions and at night.

Extra space inside the helicopter will help paramedics treat patients in-flight and an extra seat can accommodate a doctor if required, or the parent of an injured child.

The new model is also more fuel efficient so the crew can attend multiple missions before having to refuel.

Wales Air Ambulance said faster response times and an ability to reach difficult locations will improve patients’ chances of getting to hospital within the so-called “golden hour” – the first sixty minutes after trauma.

Health experts believe a patient’s survival and early recovery are greatly improved if they receive the most appropriate care within the first hour.

The upgrade comes after months of fundraising as part of the Leap into Action campaign to generate an extra £600,000 before the previous helicopter was decommissioned by the Civil Aviation Authority.

Wales Air Ambulance chief executive, Angela Hughes, said: “The response we have had from this appeal has been phenomenal. People from every corner of Wales have helped us with our final upgrade to a new generation helicopter, meaning all three aircraft have the very latest technology for air ambulance operations here in Wales.

“This really is a new chapter for Wales Air Ambulance, and for pre-hospital care in Wales. These helicopters are faster, more efficient and have more room inside for treatment in-flight.

“Now that we have this technology across the country, it means everyone in Wales – from busy towns to the remotest of countryside – can benefit from this cutting-edge emergency air cover.”

The new aircraft is the third and final of the charity’s helicopters to be upgraded following its two campaigns to replace aircraft at its Swansea and Caernarfon bases. The cost of sustaining the three models stands at around £6m each year, while each mission in the new air ambulance costs on average £1,500

Charity chairman Bob Palmer added: “The charity has come a long way since it started in 2001, growing from one helicopter in Swansea to a national operation that can reach anywhere in Wales within just 20 minutes.

“Having strived to get this new lease, our next challenge is to ensure that our new generation fleet continues to fly for many years to come. We are here for anyone in their most difficult hour of need, and we hope people will continue to support this lifesaving cause for Wales.”

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